PROVIDENCE, RI – With the National Weather Service predicting dangerous heat today through Friday, with the heat index over 100 degrees, Mayor Angel Taveras and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Peter T. Gaynor are taking special measures to protect residents from the excessive heat.

The City is advising residents to take the following safety precautions:

Do not leave children or pets in cars unattended because the temperatures in closed cars will far exceed the outdoor temperature.

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear a hat.

Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.

Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4am and 7am

Stay indoors when possible.

Check on your neighbors who are most at risk; especially the elderly and small children.

Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place. Remember, have fun, but stay cool!

In an emergency situation, residents should always call 911.

Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services

The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services will be available to residents to refer them to the resources they need. The Office of Neighborhood Services can be reached at 421-2489.

Cooling Shelters

PEMA has identified locations that can also be utilized as cooling centers:

Two of the Providence Community Libraries (Knight Memorial and Smith Hill) can’t be listed as cooling centers because they don’t have A.C. And this is in part due to the fact that the Providence Public Library refuses to convey the buildings in good faith to PCL. PCL would get these building air conditioned ASAP if PPL would just stop dragging it’s feet. That said, the downtown library is open from 12:30- 5:30pm Friday and Saturday, and should certainly be considered a haven from the heat as well.

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